Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, but women with disabilities often face extra barriers when it comes to getting help. Some may rely on their abuser for care or support, or be made to feel that no one will believe them. Some women are made to feel that abuse is just something they have to put up with. At Juno, we want every woman to know: abuse is never your fault, and you do deserve safety and support.
Women with disabilities are more likely to experience domestic abuse than non-disabled women. According to research, disabled women are almost twice as likely to suffer partner abuse and are more likely to face abuse from carers, family members, or others in a position of trust.
Some women are forced into silence through fear, or because they worry that services won’t understand their needs. And sadly, this is often the case. Too many services overlook how disability affects everyday life, including what abuse looks like and how hard it can be to leave.
But at Juno, we do understand. Our team are trained on the realities of disability and domestic abuse. We also have a dedicated support worker who specialises in working with women with disabilities.
Types of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms. It can be psychological, emotional, controlling, financial and physical or sexual abuse. Often, it is a mix of these.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse can include threats, manipulation, intimidation or gaslighting, which is making someone question their memory or sense of reality. For women with disabilities, this can be especially disorienting and isolating. Abusers may use their disability to undermine their confidence, suggesting no one else would believe or support them. Over time, this erodes self-worth and can lead to increased dependence on the abuser.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse involves constant criticism, humiliation or being made to feel unimportant. Women with disabilities may be mocked, dismissed, or spoken to in a patronising way. They may also be excluded from decisions that directly affect their lives. This abuse chips away at a person’s dignity and sense of control.
Controlling Behaviour
Controlling behaviour is about limiting a person’s freedom and independence. For disabled women, this might include restricting access to transport, support services or communication with others. Abusers may hide mobility aids, withhold medication, or speak for them at appointments. It can leave women feeling powerless and isolated.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is when someone takes control of another person’s money or prevents them from accessing resources. A woman with a disability might be forced to hand over her benefits or have her spending closely monitored. She may not be allowed to work or manage her own finances. This creates dependence and can be a major barrier to leaving an abusive situation.
Physical and Sexual Abuse
Physical abuse includes being hit, pushed, roughly handled or denied essential care. For women with disabilities, this can also mean being hurt when they cannot defend themselves or ask for help. Sexual abuse includes any sexual contact without full and free consent. Disabled women may be especially vulnerable to this because a perpetrator may assume the women won’t speak up or won’t be believed.
All these are not only distressing but can leave women feeling ashamed, powerless or stuck. But please know: you are not to blame. And you are not alone.
You can read more about methods of control in this blog. Please do have a read – it may help you work through your thoughts and decide if you would like to access help: https://junowomensaid.org.uk/what-does-coercive-control-look-like/
Effects of Abuse
Abuse can worsen both physical and mental health. Pain may increase, sleep may suffer, and anxiety or depression may become overwhelming. Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. When you’re already dealing with health or mobility challenges, abuse can make life feel unmanageable.
And because society still doesn’t always recognise disabled women as potential victims of abuse, they can be overlooked. This is why we call them “less visible women” – not because they aren’t there, but because too often, people aren’t looking.
But at Juno, we are. We recognise you.
How We Help
Our specialist disability support worker understands your unique challenges and knows how to support you in a way that feels right and safe for you. Whether that means working through access issues, helping you communicate your needs, or just being a kind and steady presence, she is here for you.
Here are just some of the ways Juno can help:
- A specialist support worker who understands disability and abuse
- Support with access needs and communication preferences
- Help with safety planning that works for your specific situation
- Information and advice about your rights and support options
- Advocacy when dealing with services or agencies
- Emotional support to help you feel strong and in control again
Your voice matters. You are not “too complicated”, “too much”, or “too difficult.” You are worthy of care, respect, and safety.
Final Thoughts
No one should be controlled, silenced, or made to feel small, especially not because of a disability. Juno is here to listen, believe, and support you.
Juno Help
Our helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The women who answer the phones are supportive, kind, and non-judgmental. They understand that everyone’s story is different. You won’t be pressured or rushed. You’ll simply be listened to, supported, and treated with respect.
Calls to our helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills. There is no pressure and everything is confidential.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).
The Survivor’s Trust (for sexual abuse and assault support) – www.thesurvivorstrust.org